One frequency that's often misunderstood or mistaken for a similar frequency is the CTAF or Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. Suppose you're a commercial pilot with a CFI rating transitioning into a first-officer role for a regional airline. In that case, it's best to enroll yourself in one of our flight training programs to refresh your knowledge and show your employers you have the skills and precision needed to navigate any situation in the skies with confidence.

While a variety of topics concerning Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ) are covered in our airline transition training course, here's a brief overview discussing everything you need to know about the common traffic advisory frequency.

What is a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)?

CTAF refers to the radio frequency pilots use to communicate with one another. When an airport's control tower isn't functional or doesn't have one in the first place, pilots use the CTAF to talk to each other instead of taking instructions from a person on the ground.  

Pilots use the CTAF to share their intentions, altitude, and position with others in the area. This helps coordinate movements so they don't fly into each other. General procedures and rules are implemented to ensure the airspace doesn't become a free-for-all. However, pilots often confuse CTAF with another frequency called UNICOM.

The Difference between UNICOM and CTAF

Although they serve very different purposes, UNICOM and CTAF sometimes share the same frequency. Pilots use CTAF to communicate and coordinate movements with each other.

Meanwhile, UNICOM helps pilots connect to the airport staff to request services or fuel, get information about the weather, or stay informed about the airport conditions.

So even if UNICOM and STAF share the same frequency, when the pilot talks to another pilot, they're using CTAF. And when they talk to an airport staff member, they use UNICOM.

How to Find and Use CTAF

CTAF can be found using different resources, including aeronautical charts, airport directories, and flight planning websites and apps. The FAA chart supplement search provides a fairly easy way to get information on airports.

Communicating on common traffic advisory frequency is different from controlled frequencies. Instructions are read back so there's no room for confusion when talking to the ATC. Meanwhile, there are no readbacks on CTAFs because it's the responsibility of the pilots to prevent potential confusion.

More details regarding the use of proper terminologies and when certain broadcasts must be made can be found in Section 4-1-9 of the Aeronautical Information Manual. But in general, a radio call must be made 10 miles out when approaching an airport with common traffic advisory frequency.

The frequency should be monitored way before entering the 10-mile radius, so you're prepared to take the right steps to avoid traffic. Pilots should also make radio calls when entering the base, downwind, and final, as well as when taking off from the runway.

It's recommended that you keep transmissions clear, standard, and short when it comes to the CTAF. Don't use non-standard terminology, and don't use it to talk to your buddies.

Understanding what the CTAF is, how to find it, and ways to use it goes a long way in ensuring a successful flight. It's equally important to understand what type of airspace you'll be using the CTAF in.

Once you refresh your knowledge in our instructor-led classes and simulators, you'll be able to fly into all airports and frequencies with confidence. Flight training in a more professional, encouraging, and controlled environment using flight simulators prepares pilots to handle any situation in the skies.

Enroll in Momentum Flight Training's 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day pilot flight training simulator program, designed specifically to deliver unparalleled learning experiences. All our flight training programs are tailored regularly to accommodate the changing requirements of specific and universal regional airline companies.

Set up a consultation to find out how our american airlines CRJ 900 simulator can help you reach your career goals.